I just can't wait, I just can't wait, I just can't wait 'til Tuesday.  I've waited all year, it's almost here, I just can't wait - 'til Tuesday.  Although I won't be going to any of the festivities, no balls for me, no wavings, trainrides, block parties; my prayer is "Obama, stay safe!"  His daughter says "You better do good!" and that means staying safe, too. 

What should I do to celebrate the inauguration?  I think I will start a diet, and the only way I've ever been able to lose weight is to think "Stop eating!"  That means food.  A cracker to keep the hunger pangs at bay.  But after a few days, an overwhelming hunger takes over, even if you don't feel hunger that much.  An overwhelming desire to pig out.  Knowing that, perhaps I could prepare, in advance, to meet this challenge.  With one square meal, and nothing more.  Even if I wake up at night, wanting something to eat.  Just nibble until the stomach shrinks and appetite adjusts.  Of course, I'll still keep eating apples, oranges, grapefruit.  I did lose weight gradually, once, by giving up meat.  Actually, you need your vegetables, too.  Oh dear, there I go again.

Yesterday though, I spent the afternoon and part of the evening working on the bathroom plumbing, trying to get the drain either unclogged or unfrozen, whatever the problem is.  I did not succeed, but did manage to clean up the huge mess I made trying.  I'm glad that it's over, but the drain will have to wait for Spring to thaw out.  Also, the toilet leaks from underneath...it needs a new wax ring, I suppose.  I am not going to call a plumber - the last time I did so, it cost me over $300.  But that was when my mom was still here, and she had to use that bathroom.  Thank heavens I still have the other bathroom, which works fine.  I just need to move all my stuff over there and make myself comfortable there.  Right now, I call it the boys' room.  But I am in the process of abandoning my bathroom and will not use it until Spring comes.   

My brother's daughter does not want to, or cannot, do much more for her father, and after discussing with the family, I guess it is up to me to do something for him.  I am going to pray for a resolution, but my brain says that I am too old to do much for him either.  Time to call on the professionals, tomorrow.  I know I'm going to cry, though I think he will be far better off, living in the veterans' home.  He always does so much better than he thinks he will.  I only hope he isn't going to be angry and resist.  That would break my heart.